Almost one year ago, on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, Ana Maria Puente-Lassen, was hit by another driver just a few miles from our family home in West Chester, PA. As she was making her way eastbound down 926 and just as she was passing Tanguy Rd., an SUV made a negligent left turn and slammed into her driver's side.

After being removed from the car with the jaws of life and rushed to Chester County Hospital, Ana was transferred to the ICU at Lankenau Hospital in Bryn Mawr, PA. Her injuries were extensive: a broken femur, ankle, pelvis, patella, elbow, and collarbone, a crushed right foot, three fractured vertebrae, and several fractured ribs.

Although it felt too soon, after about a week in the hospital, she was moved to a skilled nursing facility. She's been there ever since.

Nearly 12 long months and 5 surgeries later, she still needs more time in the facility. Time to continue working towards her goals of regaining her mobility and independence. But the medical debt accrued over the past year has been crushing, with little end in sight. And we are looking now to our community with the hope that you will support Ana as she continues to work towards a mobile life.

However you know my mom--if you worked with her during any of her 20 plus years spent as a devoted employee of the West Chester Area School District, or if you were one of her students, or if you're the parent of one of her students, or you know her because of her involvement in our after-school activities--then you know that she is a caring and dedicated woman. Loyal and always willing to lend a helping hand, she has spent the vast majority of her life giving to her community. We would be so grateful if the community could take this opportunity to rise up and give back to Ana in her greatest time of need.

We are so appreciative of any amount you are able to donate. Your donations will help alleviate the burden of her medical expenses and continued rehab, much of which will not be covered by insurance, along with future home-care needs and a car capable of transporting her to medical appointments.

Thank you, truly, from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can offer.